Mele Kyari Defends Blending Process, Highlights Operational Success of PH Refinery
At the commissioning of the NUPENG Towers in Lagos on Wednesday, Mele Kyari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), provided an update on the operations of the Port Harcourt Refinery, confirming that the plant is now fully operational and engaged in active loading of petroleum products.
After years of inactivity, the refinery resumed crude oil processing on November 26, marking a significant milestone. Kyari emphasized that the refinery is not only processing crude but also loading petroleum products for distribution, including the daily production of straight-run petrol (naphtha), which is then blended into 1.4 million liters of petrol.
Responding to concerns from some Nigerians about the blending process, Kyari clarified that blending is a crucial step in refining. He explained that without blending, refineries would produce off-spec products that could damage vehicles. “Blending is not a crime; it’s an essential part of the refining process,” he said. “Every refinery blends because specifications differ from country to country. What is considered on-spec in the U.S. may not meet the standards required in Nigeria or other regions.”
Kyari also extended an invitation to critics, including human rights activist and lawyer Femi Falana, to visit the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries to witness their current operations firsthand.
The NNPC CEO congratulated NUPENG on the completion of the NUPENG Towers and urged the union to continue fostering constructive dialogue and collaboration with NNPC and the federal government. Kyari also highlighted the positive impact of the president’s executive orders on the oil and gas sector, noting that they have encouraged more investments and job creation in the
industry.
